Yes, you can cancel a money order and get a refund, but you need to act quickly and follow the issuer's process
A money order is a prepaid document — you pay for it upfront, and it works like a check. Once you buy it, the money is already gone from your account. If you need to cancel it, the issuer (the place that sold it to you) can stop payment and refund your money, but only if the money order hasn't been cashed yet. The faster you act, the better your chances of getting your money back.
The refund process depends on who issued the money order. The three most common issuers are the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Western Union, and MoneyGram. Each has its own cancellation rules and fees. Some will refund you the full amount minus a small fee; others may take weeks to process the refund.
Key Takeaways
- You can cancel a money order only through the issuer who sold it to you — USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram, or your bank — not through any other organization.
- Cancellation is only possible if the money order has not been cashed; once someone deposits or cashes it, the transaction is complete and cannot be reversed.
- Most issuers charge a cancellation fee (typically $1 to $15) and require you to provide the money order number, your receipt, and proof of purchase.
- The refund timeline varies: USPS may take 30 days or longer, while Western Union and MoneyGram may process refunds in days or weeks depending on the situation.
- If you cannot locate your receipt or money order number, contact the issuer when ready — they may be able to search their records, but the process takes longer.
How to cancel through USPS
If you bought your money order at a post office, you will need to go back in person or mail a cancellation request. USPS does not process cancellations over the phone. Bring your original receipt and the money order itself if you still have it. If you do not have the receipt, bring a photo ID and be prepared to pay a search fee (currently around $5) so USPS can look up the money order in their system.
Fill out Form 6401, which is the official USPS money order cancellation form. You can get this form at any post office or read it from the USPS website. Include your money order number, the amount, the date you purchased it, and the name of the post office where you bought it. USPS charges a cancellation fee of $1.10 per money order. The refund typically takes 30 days or longer, and USPS will mail it to you.
How to cancel through Western Union
Western Union processes cancellations faster than USPS, but you must contact them directly. Call Western Union's customer service line or visit a Western Union agent location (usually at grocery stores, pharmacies, or check-cashing shops). Have your money order number and receipt ready. If the money order has not been picked up or cashed, Western Union can usually stop payment when ready.
Western Union charges a cancellation fee, which varies but is typically $5 to $15 depending on the amount of the money order. The refund may be issued as a new money order, a check, or a credit back to your original payment method — ask the agent which options are available. Some refunds process within days; others may take one to two weeks.
How to cancel through MoneyGram
MoneyGram's cancellation process is similar to Western Union's. Visit a MoneyGram agent location or call their customer service line. You will need your money order number, receipt, and the date of purchase. MoneyGram can cancel the money order if it has not been cashed.
MoneyGram charges a cancellation fee, typically $5 to $10. The refund timeline depends on how the money order was originally paid for — if you paid with a debit card or credit card, the refund may go back to that card within one to two weeks. If you paid with cash, MoneyGram may issue a new money order or check instead.
What happens if the money order has already been cashed
If the money order has been cashed or deposited, you cannot cancel it or get a refund from the issuer. The transaction is complete. Your only option at that point is to contact the person or business who cashed it and ask them to return the money — but the issuer cannot reverse the payment.
This is why it is important to cancel as soon as you realize you need to. Check your records or contact the recipient to find out whether the money order has been cashed before you submit a cancellation request.
What to do if you lost your receipt or money order number
If you no longer have your receipt or cannot remember the money order number, contact the issuer when ready. USPS, Western Union, and MoneyGram can search their records, but the process takes longer and may cost extra. Bring a photo ID and any information you remember: the date you purchased it, the amount, and where you bought it.
USPS charges a search fee (around $5) if you do not have your receipt. Western Union and MoneyGram may also charge a research fee. Once the issuer locates the money order in their system, they can proceed with the cancellation if it has not been cashed.
Money order cancellation fees and refund timelines
| Issuer | Cancellation Fee | Refund Timeline | How to Request |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | $1.10 | 30 days or longer | In person at post office or by mail with Form 6401 |
| Western Union | $5–$15 | Days to 2 weeks | Phone or in-person at agent location |
| MoneyGram | $5–$10 | 1–2 weeks | Phone or in-person at agent location |
| Bank-issued money order | Varies by bank | Varies by bank | Contact your bank directly |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a money order if I already gave it to someone?
You can request cancellation, but it will only succeed if the recipient has not cashed or deposited it yet. Contact the issuer right away with your money order number. If the recipient has already cashed it, the issuer cannot reverse the payment — you would need to ask the recipient to return the money to you.
What if I sent the money order in the mail and it got lost?
Contact the issuer when ready with your receipt and money order number. If the money order has not been cashed after a reasonable amount of time (usually 30 to 90 days depending on the issuer), you can request a cancellation and refund. Some issuers will refund you without the cancellation fee if the money order was lost in transit.
Do I have to go in person to cancel, or can I do it by phone or mail?
USPS requires you to go in person or mail a cancellation form. Western Union and MoneyGram allow phone cancellations and in-person cancellations at agent locations. Check with your specific issuer about their preferred method.
Will I get the full amount back after the cancellation fee?
No. The issuer will refund the money order amount minus their cancellation fee. For example, if you cancel a $500 USPS money order, you will receive $498.90 ($500 minus the $1.10 fee).
How long does it take to get my refund after I cancel?
USPS typically takes 30 days or longer and mails the refund to you. Western Union and MoneyGram usually process refunds within days to two weeks, depending on how you originally paid for the money order. Ask the issuer for a specific timeline when you submit your cancellation request.